Pakistan restricts airspace over security fears amid tensions with India

Karachi: Pakistan has restricted parts of its airspace in Karachi and Lahore for four hours daily throughout May, citing security concerns amid heightened tensions with India. All airports across the country have also been placed on high alert, according to a media report on Thursday.

The Express Tribune quoted a government notice stating that the restricted airspace will be closed every day from 4:00 am to 8:00 am local time between May 1 and May 31.

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the restriction will not significantly affect commercial flight operations, as aircraft will be rerouted through alternative paths during the closure period.

The move comes a day after Pakistan International Airlines cancelled all flights to Gilgit, Skardu, and other northern areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also citing security concerns.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen sharply following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where militants killed 26 people, most of them tourists.

In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told top defence officials on Tuesday that the armed forces have “complete operational freedom” to decide the timing, targets, and manner of any response.